Ten-year experience of chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in mitral valve repair.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair is the procedure of choice to correct mitral regurgitation (MR). Although chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) has been widely accepted to repair anterior mitral prolapse and other difficult situations, the long-term results of the repair and the fate of ePTFE have not been delineated. METHODS AND RESULTS: From July 1988 to April 1999, 74 patients (49 males, 25 females) aged 17 to 77 years (mean age 55. 3+/-14.8 years) underwent mitral valve repair with chordal replacement with ePTFE. The follow-up period was from 6 months to 11. 3 years (mean 4.6+/-3.2 years). The causes of MR were degenerative in 65 patients (88%) and infective in 9 (12%). Three patients had active infective endocarditis. Valve lesions were anterior in 35 patients, posterior in 10, and both anterior and posterior in 29. Various procedures for plasty of leaflets were necessary in 37 patients (50%). Atrial fibrillation was associated in 38 patients (51%), and the maze procedure has been performed in a selected group of 30 patients (41%) since July 1992. There was 1 in-hospital death (1.4%) and 3 late cardiac deaths (4.1%). More than moderate MR developed in 12 patients (17%) during the follow-up period. Three of these patients required early reoperation within 1 year due to hemolysis. Two patients underwent mitral valve replacement at 6 and 8 years after repair, respectively. The actuarial reoperation-free rates at 5 and 10 years were 94.3+/-2.8% and 81.7+/-9.1%, respectively. Sinus rhythm was restored in 21 patients (70%) with the maze procedure. There was only 1 thromboembolic episode (0. 3%/patient-y) in a patient with atrial fibrillation who did not undergo the maze procedure. Event-free survival rates as assessed by the freedom from cardiac death, thromboembolism, reoperation, and anticoagulation-related hemorrhage at 5 and 10 years were 91.3+/-3. 4% and 71.6+/-9.7%, respectively. There was no relationship between recurrent MR and the change of ePTFE. Structural analysis of the ePTFE resected during reoperation revealed no calcification and showed remaining flexibility and pliability. Protein infiltration was observed in the ePTFE, and collagenous proliferation was recognized at the site of fixation to the valve leaflet and the papillary muscle. The surface of the ePTFE was completely endothelialized, which may induce antithrombogenicity. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term durability and biological adaptation of ePTFE as artificial chordae for mitral valve repair of MR were proved for >10 years.

Risks and benefits of combined maze procedure for atrial fibrillation associated with organic heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to identify the risks and benefits of adding the maze procedure in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing operation for underlying organic cardiac disorders. BACKGROUND: Persistent AF often leaves patients symptomatic even after otherwise successful cardiac surgery. METHODS: Fifty-one patients undergoing valvular operation and the maze procedure (n = 43) or repair of congenital anomalies (n = 8) combined with the maze procedure were compared with 51 patients (control group) matched for underlying diseases and procedures except for the maze operation. Each group, including 31 patients with a concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty and 12 undergoing reoperation, were similar in age, duration of arrhythmia, degree of cardiomegaly and New York Heart Association functional class. RESULTS: Patients undergoing the maze procedure had longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (213 vs. 144 min, p < 0.0001), longer cardiac arrest (134 vs. 93 min, p < 0.0001) and greater blood loss with longer respiratory care (39 vs. 18 h p = 0.021) and intensive care unit stay but no mortality. No significant differences were found in catecholamine or transfusion requirements immediately after operation. Sustained AF was much less frequent in the maze group (12% at 1 year) than the control group (86%, p < 0.0001), with an average follow-up period of 32 months (range 25 to 42). Atrial contraction was documented in 41 (80%) and 40 (78%) patients for right and left ventricular filling, respectively, after the maze procedure, resulting in a significantly smaller cardiac size and improved functional capacity. Medication was discontinued in seven patients in the maze group compared with two in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Improved restoration of atrial rhythm and contraction with combined maze operation appeared to justify the increased operative time and complexity and postoperative care.

Rationale of the Cox maze procedure for atrial fibrillation during redo mitral valve operations.

OBJECTIVE: The frequency of reoperation for mitral valve diseases with chronic atrial fibrillation has increased steadily. This study examined the rationale for using the Cox maze operation for atrial fibrillation during redo mitral valve operations. METHODS: Between June 1992 and July 1995, we performed the maze procedure in 42 patients as a concomitant operation with redo mitral valve surgery (maze group). Associated procedures were tricuspid valve surgery in 27 patients and aortic valve surgery in 15 patients. The mean age at operation was 57.3 +/- 9.7 years, and the mean interval from the previous operation was 14.3 +/- 10.5 years. The mean follow-up period after the maze procedure was 25.5 +/- 10.8 months. Atrial fibrillation was present at the time of the previous operation in 29 patients (69%). RESULTS: Neither hospital death nor late death occurred. Sinus rhythm was regained in 28 patients (67%), and an atrial A-wave was detected in 21 patients (50%) by pulsed Doppler study. Patients in whom sinus rhythm was restored had a shorter history of atrial fibrillation (9.0 +/- 6.0 years vs 15.9 +/- 4.6 years, p = 0.0009), a larger f-wave on lead V1 of the electrocardiogram (0.18 +/- 0.10 mV vs 0.10 +/- 0.08 mV, p = 0.017), and a smaller cardiothoracic ratio (63% +/- 8% vs 67% +/- 5%, p = 0.049) than patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. During the same period, 54 patients underwent mitral valve reoperation without the maze procedure (control group). The aortic crossclamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were slightly longer (p = 0.048 and p = 0.012) in the maze group (133 +/- 28 minutes and 221 +/- 43 minutes) than in the control group (126 +/- 65 minutes and 197 +/- 78 minutes). There was no significant difference in the amount of chest tube drainage or transfusion between the two groups (890 +/- 510 ml and 2120 +/- 1600 ml, respectively, in the maze group and 840 +/- 480 ml and 2140 +/- 1760 ml, respectively, in the control group). It was not necessary to reopen the chest for bleeding significantly more often in one group than in the other (14% in the maze group and 7% in the control group), and it was possible to operate without transfusion with the same frequency in the two groups (17% in the maze group and 20% in the control group). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the maze procedure should be considered in selected patients who have a high possibility of regaining sinus rhythm during redo mitral valve operations.

Determination of optimal perfusion flow rate for deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in the adult based on distributions of blood flow and oxygen consumption.

To determine the optimal perfusion flow in deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass at 20 degrees C in human beings, we studied the relationship of perfusion flow to the whole body and to regional oxygen consumption. In adult patients (n = 11, average age 54 years) with valvular or coronary heart disease, the distributions of perfusion flow rate and oxygen consumption were analyzed by dividing into the superior and inferior vena caval areas. Measurements (n = 39) were made at various perfusion flow rates (perfusion flow rate in the superior vena caval area plus that in the inferior vena caval area equals whole-body perfusion flow rate: 0.4 to 2.2 L/min/m2) in a setting of average hemoglobin levels of 8.1 gm/dl. Between whole-body perfusion flow rate and oxygen consumption (total oxygen consumption equals superior plus inferior vena caval oxygen consumption), there was a hyperbolic correlation (r = 0.73; p less than 0.001; asymptote = 29.0 ml/min/m2). A positive linear correlation was found between whole-body perfusion flow rate and inferior vena caval oxygen consumption (r = 0.75; p less than 0.001), whereas no significant relation was seen between whole-body perfusion flow rate and superior vena caval oxygen consumption. For distributional changes in inferior vena caval perfusion flow rate/whole body perfusion flow rate and inferior vena caval oxygen consumption/whole body oxygen consumption, the broken-line regression analysis showed respective critical points where both parameters started to drop when whole-body perfusion flow rate was gradually reduced: 1.2 L/min/m2 for inferior vena caval perfusion flow rate/whole-body perfusion flow rate and 0.8 L/min/m2 for inferior vena caval oxygen consumption/whole-body oxygen consumption. The results indicate that (1) the oxygen consumption to the superior vena caval area was maintained independent of the perfusion in a relatively wide range in contrast to that for the inferior vena caval area and (2) when the redistribution of oxygen consumption is considered as undesirable under low-flow perfusion, the optimal perfusion flow for 20 degrees C deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass appeared to be 0.8 L/min/m2.

Preservation of the right atrial appendage improves reduced plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels after the maze procedure.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine whether preservation of the right atrial appendage lessens the decrease of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels after the maze procedure and whether the increase of plasma atrial natriuretic peptides improves the ability of the kidneys to excrete the fluid load after the operation. METHODS: We evaluated 42 patients who underwent the maze procedure. The right atrial appendage was preserved in 22 patients but not in 20. Blood samples were obtained before and after the operation for measurement of atrial natriuretic peptides. To evaluate the influence of atrial natriuretic peptides on the ability of the kidneys, we also measured body weight, fluid balance, and the doses of furosemide and dopamine administered after the operation. RESULTS: The restoration to sinus rhythm at 1 month after was comparable in the two groups. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels significantly increased after the operation in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was preserved (1 day after: 23.4 +/- 17.8 vs 3 days after: 42.7 +/- 23.6 and 7 days after: 36.3 +/- 23.7 pg/mL, P <.05) but not in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was not preserved (1 day after: 20.0 +/- 19.6, 3 days after: 28.5 +/- 19.3, and 7 days after: 23.0 +/- 16.1 pg/mL). Furthermore, plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels were significantly lower in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was not preserved than in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was preserved at 3 and 7 days after the operation. The fluid balance during the first 7 days of the postoperative period was comparable in the two groups, although the total dose of dopamine used in the same period was significantly smaller in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was preserved than in patients in whom the right atrial appendage was not preserved (155.3 +/- 119.0 vs 244.9 +/- 129.0 microg/kg, P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that preservation of the right atrial appendage lessens the decrease of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels after the maze procedure and that increased plasma atrial natriuretic peptides may improve the ability of the kidneys to excrete the fluid load after the operation.

Cox maze procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease.

Between April 1992 and October 1993, we combined a modified maze procedure with mitral valve repair (n = 26) or replacement (n = 36) in 62 patients with atrial fibrillation, including 16 patients undergoing reoperation. Associated procedures included aortic valve operation (n = 22), tricuspid annuloplasty (n = 28), atrial plication (n = 10), and others (n = 3). Duration of atrial fibrillation varied from 0.1 to 23 years (average 8.3 +/- 6.4 years), the f-wave voltage ranged from 0 to 0.45 mV (0.16 +/- 0.09 mV), and cardiothoracic ratio varied from 46% to 85% (64% +/- 9%). We modified the maze atriotomies to preserve the sinus node artery and used cryoablation to simplify procedures. Aortic crossclamp time was 142 +/- 25 minutes and cardiopulmonary bypass time 226 +/- 34 minutes. No early or late deaths occurred in a total of 783 patient-months of follow-up. In 52 patients (84%) who regained atrial rhythm, an atrial A-wave was detected in 84% for transtricuspid flow and in 71% for transmitral flow. One patient with sinus rhythm had an episode of transient neurologic ischemia 4 months after mechanical valve implantation. The 10 patients who remained in atrial fibrillation had preoperative fibrillation for a significantly longer time than the rest of the patients with atrial rhythm (14.8 versus 7.2 years p < 0.001) and a larger left atrial dimension (70 versus 58 mm, p < 0.01). Nonetheless, no variable alone could have predicted postoperative rhythm for individual patients. The results suggest that the maze procedure is safe and effective and therefore should be considered for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve operations.

A morphologic study of Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts in the mitral position exhibiting primary tissue failure in adults in comparison with Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the durability and mechanism of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenograft in the mitral position in comparison with that of the Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenograft. METHODS: A total of 284 patients who received the Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenograft in the mitral position between 1980 and 1984 and 84 patients who received the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenograft in the mitral position between 1984 and 1999 were included in the study. The freedom from reoperation rates for both graft types were determined. For morphologic study, the pathologic findings of 23 valves of 123 explanted Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts with structural valve deterioration, nonstructural valve deterioration, or both were determined and compared with those of 20 explanted Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts with structural valve deterioration, nonstructural valve deterioration, or both. Each pathologic finding was graded and assigned a score. Both types were matched for age at reoperation (50-75 years) and duration of valve function (8-11 years). RESULTS: Freedom from reoperation caused by structural valve deterioration, nonstructural valve deterioration, or both was significantly better for Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts than for Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts at 8 years after the operation (Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts: 91.3% vs Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts: 71.9%, P =.0061), but it was similar for both types at 12 years (Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts: 43.6% vs Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts: 43.6%, P =.2865). No severe leaflet tears were seen among Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts. The mean area percentage of tissue overgrowth was 15.3% in Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts and 3.4% in Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts (P =.0001). The mean calcification area percentage was 13.6% in Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts and 31.5% in Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenografts (P =.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue overgrowth on the atrial surface, ventricular surface, or both was the cause of structural valve deterioration, nonstructural valve deterioration, or both of Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts in adults. This was different from Ionescu-Shiley pericardial xenograft failure, which resulted from severe calcification and leaflet tears. Organized thrombi on cusps, in addition to valve design, may have contributed to such tissue overgrowth on Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts.

Ten-year experience with the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenograft in the tricuspid position.

We reviewed the cases of 66 patients who underwent 67 tricuspid valve replacements with Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenografts between April 1985 and January 1994. Average patient age at time of operation was 52 years (range 8 to 71 years). Concomitant mitral or aortic valve replacements were performed in 46 patients. There were 10 operative deaths and 6 late deaths. Actuarial survival at 9 years was 75.4% +/- 5.7%. Prosthetic valve endocarditis occurred twice in one patient. Reoperations for tricuspid regurgitation and for concomitant procedures (maze operation and repair for leak of the mitral prosthesis) were performed in two patients. In both cases, examination of the explanted prostheses showed that the tricuspid regurgitation was the result of nonstructural dysfunction caused by fibrous pannus formation on the cusps of the ventricular side. Among the survivors, 47 patients (92%) were in functional class I or II. Prosthetic valve function was studied by color Doppler echocardiography. Among 38 patients, tricuspid regurgitation more than grade 3/4 or transprosthetic gradient more than 5 mm Hg was found in 11. One patient had right heart failure and the others had no symptoms. In 10 years of experience with the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial xenograft, mortality and morbidity after tricuspid valve replacement were satisfactory. Echocardiographic examination revealed subclinical prosthetic dysfunction in 35% of patients who were followed up for longer than 5 years, however, and we believe that these patients should receive careful follow-up.

Pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary cancer associated with celiac occlusion: a case report.

A 62-year-old man with atherosclerotic occlusion of the celiac axis underwent pancreatoduodenectomy because of cancer of the common bile duct. Preoperative angiography showed that the arterial blood supply to the celiac viscera was sustained through the gastroduodenal artery via the pancreaticoduodenal arcades from the superior mesenteric artery. Therefore reconstruction of the celiac circulation was attempted before division of the gastroduodenal artery. An autograft of the saphenous vein was placed between the infrarenal aorta and the common hepatic artery. The postoperative course was uneventful. Patency of the graft was demonstrated angiographically on the 50th postoperative day.

Tricuspid valve replacement with bioprostheses: long-term results and causes of valve dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Although the clinical performance of bioprostheses after valve replacement in the aortic and mitral position has been reported, little is known of the performance of tricuspid bioprostheses. The mechanism of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction after tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) is not clear. METHODS: We reviewed 98 cases of TVR with bioprostheses. To clarify the causes of valve dysfunction, pathologic examination of the explanted valve at the reoperation was performed. RESULTS: Actuarial survival at 18 years was 68.7% +/- 5.8%. There were 12 redo TVRs. In six of the 12 cases, isolated redo TVR was performed. In the other cases, concomitant cardiac procedures were performed. The causes of prosthetic valve dysfunction were pannus formation on the cusps of the right ventricle side (four cases), native valve attachment (two cases), pannus formation + native valve attachment (two cases), sclerotic change (one case), pannus formation + sclerotic change (one case), and native valve attachment + valve infection (one case). Freedom from reoperation, structural valve deterioration, and nonstructural dysfunction at 18 years was 62.7% +/- 10.7%, 96.0% +/- 2.9%, and 76.7% +/- 8.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our 18 years of experience, although the survival after TVR with bioprostheses is acceptable, the reoperation free rate is not satisfactory. Pannus formation on the cusps of the ventricular side seems to be a serious problem that causes bioprosthetic dysfunction in the tricuspid position.

Modification of bicaval anastomosis technique for orthotopic heart transplantation.

A modified bicaval anastomosis technique was utilized for 4 consecutive patients undergoing heart transplantation. Instead of transecting the superior and inferior vena cavae, a strip of the posterior right atrial wall was left undivided as a bridge connecting the superior and inferior vena cavae. This minor modification perfectly prevented shrinkage and retraction of the caval tissue, thus providing easier anastomotic orientation and better estimation of the appropriate tissue length that fits well, particularly when a small donor heart was available.

Pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis using the harmonic scalpel.

A 35-year-old man with constrictive pericarditis underwent pericardiectomy. The pericardium was dissected with a Harmonic Scalpel (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH). This new device has many advantages including no muscular stimulation, low heat, a smokeless field, and easy hemostasis. The Harmonic Scalpel is beneficial for dissection of thickened pericardium.

Surgical management of Behçet's aortitis: a report of eight patients.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's aortitis is one of the most severe manifestations of Behçet's disease. However, there have been few reports of this rare entity. This article we describe our experience with surgical treatment of Behçet's aortitis in 8 patients. METHODS: From May 1978 to February 1995, we operated on 8 patients with Behçet's aortitis. All patients were followed up for a total of 54.4 patient-years (mean, 6.8 years). RESULTS: There were no operative deaths, but 1 patient died in the hospital of ventricular fibrillation. Another death occurred as a result of pseudoaneurysm rupture 10 months after operation. Fourteen operations were performed on eight patients: a second operation was performed on four patients, and a third operation was performed on two patients. The translocated Bentall procedure, a modified Bentall procedure, was performed six times. One patient required a second operation for graft detachment, but the others have done well without further surgical intervention. Aortic valve replacement was performed six times, and three reoperations were needed after aortic valve replacement. CONCLUSIONS: The translocated Bentall procedure may be effective for Behçet's aortitis, but further investigation is necessary.

Prediction of postoperative exercise tolerance after aortic valve replacement.

Valve size selection for aortic valve replacement is still a controversial matter, particularly in patients with small aortic annuli. To assess optimal valve size, exercise capacity, as measured by peak oxygen consumption levels, was determined in 39 patients (age range, 18 to 77 years; mean, 56 years) who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement with a St. Jude Medical valve. This assessment was carried out at a mean of 2.2 years post-operatively using ergometer exercise testing. These levels were evaluated as a measure of the percentage of predicted. At rest, there was no significant correlation between the predicted peak oxygen consumption and the pressure gradients across the prostheses, as measured by Doppler ultrasound. In 18 patients with aortic regurgitation, the preoperative dimensions of the left ventricle in end-diastole and end-systole correlated inversely (p < 0.05) with the percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption. In 21 patients with aortic stenosis, the linear regression line (p < 0.01) was derived from the correlation between the percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption and the valve area index (geometric valve orifice area/body surface area). We conclude that the preoperative end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions should be less than 50 mm and 70 mm, respectively, in the setting of aortic regurgitation, and a valve area index, though it proved to be weakly correlated with the percentage of the peak oxygen uptake, should probably be more than 1.5 cm2/m2 in the setting of aortic stenosis to achieve good exercise capacity postoperatively (> 80% of predicted peak oxygen consumption).

Resection of a large, high-flow arteriovenous malformation during hypotension and hypothermia induced by a percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system. Case report.

The key to successful surgical resection of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is control of bleeding and cerebral swelling. Induced hypotension is one of the most valuable means of achieving this control. The authors introduced induced hypotension with mild hypothermia by using a percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system (PCPS) to resect a large, high-flow AVM. The efficacy and technical points of this method are discussed. The PCPS, whose entire intraluminal surface was coated with heparin, was established through a transfemoral route. During resection of the AVM, a mean arterial blood pressure of 60 mm Hg and a mean body temperature of 30 degrees C were easily maintained by regulating the flow rate of the PCPS and by blood cooling. The activated coagulation time was maintained at approximately 250 seconds with a minimum systemic administration of heparin. The authors report the case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with intraventricular hemorrhage and was diagnosed as having a large, high-flow AVM located in the left sylvian fissure. The AVM was fed by the left middle, posterior, and anterior cerebral arteries and drained by the many cortical ascending veins and the basal vein. The patient underwent surgery after hypotension and hypothermia had been induced via the PCPS method. Induced hypotension decreased the tension of the nidus and made its dissection easier. The AVM was totally resected and no hemostatic difficulties were encountered. On the basis of the authors' experience, they suggest that hypotension and hypothermia induced by using the PCPS is a powerful tool for the successful resection of large, high-flow AVMs.

Surgical treatment for prolapse of the anterior mitral leaflet.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: Mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) for the prolapse of the anterior mitral leaflet (AML) is more difficult than that for the posterior mitral leaflet. The introduction of artificial chordae (November, 1986) and the concomitant maze operation (November, 1992) were surgical 'turning points' in our 17 years' experience. METHODS: In total, 163 surgical cases of AML prolapse based on the above turning points, and carried out between 1979 and 1996, were reviewed. These included 110 MVP and 53 mitral valve replacements. MVP was performed in only 46% (29/63) of patients before October 1986 (Group I); in 72% (42/58) of patients between November 1986 and October 1992 (Group II); and in 93% (39/42) of patients after November 1992 (Group III). RESULTS: Reoperation was required in nine patients. The reoperation-free rate after MVP was 79% at 17 years in all cases, 82% at 17 years in Group I, 86% at 10 years in Group II and 97% at four years in Group III. Besides reoperation cases, grade 3/4 mitral regurgitation (MR), assessed by color Doppler echocardiography, was detected in seven patients. The event-free (reoperation, MR, thromboembolism) rate was 69% at 17 years in all cases, 78% at 17 years in Group I, 71% at 10 years in Group II and 92% at 4 years in Group III. A concomitant maze operation was performed in 19 of 20 current patients with atrial fibrillation. The percentage of sinus rhythm after operation in Group I, II and III was 53%, 60% and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: During 17 years' experience, mortality and morbidity after MVP for AML prolapse were satisfactory. With the use of artificial chordae, we have been able to perform MVP in more than 90% of current patients with AML prolapse. Further, a concomitant maze procedure could provide a higher incidence of postoperative sinus rhythm.

Comparison of repair techniques for mitral valve prolapse.

Between January 1978 and September 1992, 127 patients with isolated mitral regurgitation due to prolapse underwent mitral valve reconstruction. There were 74 men and 53 women whose mean age was 49.7 years, ranging from 16 to 74 years. Follow up was 99.2% complete and totaled 483.0 patient-years (mean: 3.8 years). One hundred and forty-eight procedures were carried out to repair the prolapses using four types of techniques: (1) leaflet plication in 97 patients; (2) artificial chordal replacement with polytetrafluoroethylene sutures in 30 patients; (3) chordal shortening in 16 patients; and (4) commissural imbrication in five patients. In order to repair the annular dilation, commissural plications were done in 75 and ring prostheses were implanted in 15 patients. There were one hospital and eight late deaths. One (cerebral infarction) of all deaths was related to the reconstructed mitral valve. There were 14 reoperations (11.0%) for recurrent mitral incompetence with a freedom from reoperation of 89.0% at five, and 81.1% at 10 years. There were four cases of thromboembolism (one fatal, three non-fatal) with freedom from thromboembolism of 96.7% at five, and 93.3% at 10 years. No endocarditis or hemorrhagic complications were noted. Linearized incidence of recurrent mitral regurgitation according to repair technique for the prolapse was 1.44%/pty in the leaflet plication series, 1.45%/pty with chordal replacement, 4.37%/pty after chordal shortening and 8.67%/pty following commissural imbrication. The linearized rate of failure in annuloplasty was 2.91%/pty after commissural plication and 1.74%/pty after ring annuloplasty. Statistically significant difference was confirmed only between leaflet plication and chordal shortening.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Huge aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva following infective endocarditis in Behçet's disease.

A huge aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva with conduction disturbance as a consequence of infective endocarditis in Behçet's disease is reported. The aneurysm extended not only into the ventricular septum but also to the right atrium and ventricle, with a complicated cavity formation. We speculate that complete atrioventricular block occurred due to an enlargement of the aneurysm into the ventricular septum, leading to a direct conduction system injury. Preoperative echocardiography and aortography were insufficient to recognize the extent of the lesion; subsequent operative examination revealed the true size. At operation, it is important to understand the lesion dimensions fully in order that appropriate surgical procedures be performed.

Long-term results of artificial chordae implantation in patients with mitral valve prolapse.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: In terms of valve-related complication and ventricular function, mitral valve repair (MVR) is superior to valve replacement. To date, chordae shortening and transposition have been used for diffuse prolapses. We have used artificial chordae implantation for MVR since 1986, and here review our long-term results. METHODS: Pericardial strips were used in nine patients, and e-PTFE (Gore-Tex) sutures in 58. A degenerative lesion was present in 69% of cases, endocarditis in 16% and rheumatic valvulitis in 7%. Implantation of artificial chordae was indicated for treatment of diffuse prolapse. Annuloplasty was performed in patients with or without prosthetic ring. RESULTS: Actuarial survival rate was 78% for the pericardial chordae group at nine years, and 94% for the Gore-Tex chordae group at eight years. Thromboembolic events occurred in two pericardial chordae patients, and three Gore-Tex chordae patients required reoperation. Freedom from reoperation was 100% for pericardial chordae after nine years and 96% for Gore-Tex chordae after eight years. Quality of life among survivors is good: 83% are in NYHA class I, 89% are free from anticoagulation, and 60% require no medication. Mitral valve orifice area, estimated echocardiographically, was similar in both groups at discharge and at follow up. CONCLUSIONS: MVR with artificial chordae provided satisfactory valve function for up to nine years. Gore-Tex chordae are less prone to deterioration than pericardial chordae. Follow up observations support the use e-PTFE chordae to correct diffuse leaflet prolapse.

Calcific degeneration of bioprosthetic aortic valves in patients receiving steroid therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: Calcification of glutaraldehyde-preserved bioprosthetic valves is a frequent long-term complication of valve replacement, although the mechanism responsible for such degeneration is not clearly understood. In the current study, we investigated the calcific degeneration of bioprosthetic aortic valves in patients who had been given steroid treatment for aortitis in order to evaluate the immune response to glutaraldehyde-preserved bioprostheses. METHODS: Ten patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement with bioprosthetic valves were studied. Their mean age was 48.4 years (range: 27 to 64 years). Aortitis was due to Takayasu disease in eight patients and to Behcet aortitis in two. The bioprosthetic valves used included bovine pericardial xenografts (n = 8) and porcine aortic valves (n = 2). The mean daily dosage of prednisone was 10.1 mg (range: 2.5 to 60 mg); mean duration of therapy was 8.0 years. The mean patient follow up, using echocardiography, was 11.5 years (range: 8.5 to 16 years). The total follow up period was 115 patient-years. RESULTS: During follow up, three reoperations were required because of valve detachment, aortic insufficiency due to perforation of the aortic cusp, and aortic insufficiency with coronary orifice stenosis, respectively. No reoperations were required for stenotic degeneration of the bioprosthetic valves. Seven bioprosthetic valves were still functioning between 8.5 and 16 years after implantation. Calcific degeneration in two of three bovine pericardial valves that required replacing was surprisingly minimal; separation of collagen fibers in the valves by infiltration with plasma proteins was also minimal. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the calcific degeneration of bioprosthetic valves may be decreased by concomitant steroid therapy for aortitis, though further research will be required to confirm this effect and to determine the mechanism(s) involved.